Workshop Student Testimonials
“I’ve been shooting since 1966, but seriously only since about 1997. I consider myself a pretty experienced photographer. I’ve taken several of Mike’s workshops, including Iceland, Tornado Alley, Canyonlands, Kauai, and Caddo Lake. Mike is not only a terrific photographer, he’s a natural born teacher. I never fail to learn something and improve either my photography or my post processing skills. He also makes himself available after the trip to answer questions and give advice. It’s also great fun to travel and shoot with other people who love the art as much as you do. You share ideas, talk about past shoots, and just generally have a wonderful time. I’ve met several people who have become good friends. I’ve traveled with at least three other workshop groups, and I’d endorse Mike’s workshops any day.”
~ Anita O. - Carrollton, Texas
“I have taken 6 workshops with Mike and plan on taking more. Attending Mike Mezeul’s photo workshops, you will have an unforgettable learning adventure. Ansel Adams said, “ You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” That’s exactly what Mike helps you to do. You plan ahead and create a picture that says something to you. You capture what you want to tell. Mike helps you to hone in or to develop the art of observing, watching the light, seeing details, developing camera skills, teaching you equipment usage and recommendations, and teaching post editing skills.
Whether you are a beginner or expert photographer, you will walk away from his workshops with new techniques that will blow your mind and show in your photographs. Mike is an accessible, encouraging, patient, and awesome teacher. His workshops are so so fun and worth it! I’ve met some wonderful people along the way.”
~ Nancy S. - Dallas, Texas
“I met Mike 3 years ago. I had the opportunity to work with him in workshops, individual lessons and image editing sessions. He is a great teacher, solid mentor, and always willing to help. He not only a treasure of photography knowledge, but also a great guy.”
~ Imran S. - Lewisville, Texas
“Two workshops so far and a lifetime's worth of learning! Who would have thought that I'd see hometown New York from a different perspective? Couple that with the Canadian Rockies workshop which was mind-blowing. Definitely not my last Mezeul workshop for sure.”
~ Kevin Z. - New York, New York
“I had a wonderful time with Mike in storm chasing tour last May. These are the few reasons why I loved shooting with Mike. He is very organized. He sent clear information few weeks and then again few days before the start of the tour. During the chase, it is normal to spend most of the time in car traveling hundreds of miles during the day and in position to photograph a supercell in the last few hours of the day. Mike is very engaging in discussing about various photographic and non photographic topics during this travel time. He is very helpful in suggesting on field techniques. I am a Sony user and he was able to help me out even though he is a Nikon user. I shot lightning bolts for the first time and owe that to Mike. He puts safety first and foremost. He gave clear instructions what to do and how quickly to photograph during the chase. Mike has vast experience in interpreting radar data and take us to the cell that is photogenic. He uses this experience in teaching the basic technical aspect of interpreting radar data. Its kind of a like photo tour with a cool atmospheric science add on. Looking forward to Chase with Mike again.”
~ Andrew S. - Bellingham, Washington
“From my first workshop as a beginner to a recent workshop as a professional photographer, I've found that Mike always has good advice and instruction to help me improve my craft.”
~ David D. - Plano, Texas
“I had always wanted to learn how to photograph the night sky. Purchasing a DSLR for a trip to Africa, while in Namibia I attempted to take a picture of the milky way. To my astonishment, with the little knowledge I had gained in a 5 week course, I had captured a rudimentary picture which only wanted me to learn more. After searching the internet, I came across Mike's astrophotography workshops. I immediately signed up for a workshop but was nervous that I was too much an amateur. I asked Mike a few questions via email, and he reassured me that I would feel comfortable.
Mike is a very good teacher, structured, organized and knowledgeable on many different levels. On the very first night, when the sky appeared cloudy, he assured us that the type of clouds we were viewing would probably dissipate. I was absolutely taken aback in that his prediction was spot on. He constantly worked with us in choosing the right settings and making sure we understood his choices.
With respect to field work, he knew the exact locations to get the best pictures, but also the best viewing. At one point where he was teaching us how to create panoramic photos of the milky way, he worked with us two at a time, where it gave me a moment to really take in where I was, what I was seeing and how magnificent it was. It was at that point that I realized that Mike doesn't just teach you photography but he leaves you with an experience.
We had the opportunity to have some lab time with Mike, where he was patient in teaching us a few things about Photoshop and Lightroom that would make our pictures come to life.
In conclusion, my experience with Mike has only deepened my desire to purse photography to greater a depth.”
~ Dan T. - Toronto, Canada
“Knowing when and where to go when the weather does not cooperate with your plan while staying positive is what sets Mike apart from a lot of folks. Mike's enthusiasm and passion while helping others with varied skill sets is evident in the learning and images captured. Thanks Mike for this and I look forward to more of your workshops in the months and years to come.”
~ Richard C. - Houston, Texas
“Mike has shown the importance slowing down and being more thoughtful and deliberate in composing. I see the world around me differently, even the daily mundane. It was definitely an eye opener. I definitely recommend attending.”
~ James B. - Midland, Texas
“As a beginner Mike's workshops have helped me push out of my comfort zone. His workshops are well planned...relaxed...fun...and he takes you to just the right locations. Plus he sends you a video after the workshop on editing.”
~ Joy T. - Houston, Texas
“I have been on several of Mike Mezeul II Workshops and all have been to spectacular locations, well planned, and always has a backup plan if Nature throws us a curve. Mike is very approachable and the small group-sizes makes it even easier to pick his brain. I always come away with new knowledge and appreciation of the Great Outdoors. A side benefit of these trips is that I have met and made lifelong friends with a lot of the group members.”
~ Allen B. - Houston, Texas
“I had a vague idea what the Milky Way was. Mike Mezeul brought it to life for me. I’d been to White Sands at least a 100 times as a kid. I’d never experienced it like I did with Mike. Northern Lights, a bucket list item for me. I experienced that and a whole lot more with Mike. I am a better photographer, thanks to Mike.”
~ Dale M. - Dallas, Texas
“I met Mike on my very first photography workshop ever in the Ozarks of Arkansas. I think he discovered pretty fast that I was a beginner and did not know how to use my camera. Fortunately for me, he used Nikon and was able to help me tremendously with the settings and allowed me to get some good photographs. He was so nice to me, the following year, I signed up for another workshop to Death Valley, then Banff Canada and finally San Francisco. I met some truly wonderful people on all these workshops and felt very comfortable going on photo shoots with the groups. I was able to leave each workshop with new found knowledge about how to use more features on my camera and the ability to shoot better compositions. If Mike had not made me feel so welcome and helped me as much as he did, I would not have been able to achieve the success I had this year at our State Fair. For the first time ever entering a photograph in a contest, I entered 21 photographs and was awarded one best in show, six first place, three second place and two third place. Our state fair is not as large as some, but they did have 1,100 photos entered and used three out-of-state judges and set a record attendance of 1.1 million people.”
~ Sharon T. - Yale, Oklahoma
“I’ve taken several photography workshops with Mike, and I have to say, they’re the best! Mike takes you to the iconic spots you know you want to shoot, but more importantly, to a lot of spots only he seems to know about that you didn’t KNOW you want to shoot (but believe me, you do!) His ability to predict the weather seems magical at times; on his Norway workshop, and he always seemed to know just when the snow would start and stop, allowing me to get some truly spectacular shots in truly spectacular locations. Mike is a font of photographic information, both technical and creative, and is more than willing to share is vast knowledge with you. From camera settings, to compositional choices, to post-processing techniques, you’ll get it all from Mike. I highly recommend his workshops.”
~ Alan A. - Allen, Texas
“It was my first time to join Mike Mezeul’s workshop in Lofoten, Norway in February, 2020. I was impressed by his knowledge of the weather prediction, as well as his photography skills. He is not only good himself but also brings his knowledge to everyone in the group. He always stands by to help anyone in need. I will definitely refer him to friends and join in future trips if I see one that fits me.”
~ Grace W. - Houston, Texas
“The Northern lights was on my bucket list. I was so happy I went with Mike after a recommendation from a friend. He’s so knowledgeable about the weather patterns and took us to many locations where we had a chance to capture the Aurora and other beautiful sights. I also love his great sense of humor. I will definitely try and go on other workshops with Mike.”
~ Ann G. - Houston, Texas
“I had the opportunity to spend a week with Mike on the south coast of Iceland. I’ve worked with a few other photography guides before - Mike is on another level. His command of photography is impressive. But even more impressive is the way he goes about interacting with his clients. I found he kept a perfect balance between giving me space to operate on my own and checking in to make sure I wasn’t missing an opportunity. His guidance was always well received and often helpful.
During the week we had together I don’t think there was a single moment where he “phoned it in.” He was continually checking on his clients using idle time to answer questions or engage us in conversation. Together with the other guide, they continually adjusted plans to make sure we picked optimal shooting locations based on weather and light. In case you’re not aware of his passion for storm photography, I’ll call out the fact that being on a workshop with him is like traveling with your own personal weatherman.
What’s more, Mike is just a super good dude. Great conversationalist and keen sense of humor. I plan on doing other workshops with him in the future and would highly recommend his workshops to anyone looking to make a wise investment in their hobby (or photography career).”
~ Mark. T - Pickerington, OH
"Mike's Landscape Photography and Post Processing Class was a great steppingstone for my journey from beginner to a more advanced Lightroom user. Additionally, it got me to the point that I now can access Photoshop and begin my learning process there with ease. That is huge for me - someone who preferred to take the photos and not post process them! Having only worked with Lightroom basics I found Mike's instruction to be on the money for my further development of post processing skills. Most Importantly, I gained confidence in my workflow and final products - and banished my dislike of sitting down at the computer to work on my photos."